If you feel strongly about cremation after you pass, then it is important to bring this up with your family sooner rather than later. Your family will probably want to honor your wishes, but they can only do this if they know how you feel.

Determine the Right Time It may feel like there is never a right time to bring up your funeral and cremation wishes. However, the discussion is important, and there are times when it is appropriate to talk about cremation. You can try a couple different approaches, depending on how you and your family speak with each other. If they value the direct approach, or they tend to speak frankly about subjects, then just bring up the subject when you are ready. Other families may appreciate a more roundabout way of arriving to the subject cremation services and funeral planning. You can ask open-ended questions that stimulate a conversation about funeral pre-planning and memorial services; this will be the opportunity for you to voice your wishes. You might plant seeds in advance, rather than waiting until you are ill or injured. “You know, I’ve been thinking about being cremated when my time comes. How do you feel about that?” Add a little humor, if you want to lighten up the discussion. Give your reasons for choosing cremation over other options.

Prepare for an Emotional Response Many people become very emotional when talking about their own death or the death of their loved ones. They may become angry, sad, bitter, or depressed. This is a normal reaction. Be prepared for a range of strong emotions during this conversation. Be gentle and patient with them. Listen to and understand any objections. Rather than argue, you might postpone the discussion for another day, but remind them that you will bring it up again. Comfort your family and assure them you want to make the funeral planning process as easy on them as possible.

Create a Funeral Plan It is best to include a funeral plan within your will or family trust so that your family will respect your cremation wishes. If you have any specific requests, such as a certain type of cemetery service or memorial epitaph, you would include it in this plan. Make sure the executor of your will or administrator of your trust understands your requests. California law gives to your agent under a power of attorney for health care the first priority for following your final wishes. Choose a person who understands your wishes and agrees to carry them out.

Inglewood Park Cemetery has been assisting people in the Los Angeles area with their cremation arrangements for nearly 100 years. It is our continued mission to make the process of cremation as simple and respectful as possible. If you or your family have any questions, please call our Memorial Counselors at (310) 412-6500.

Inglewood Park Cemetery recognizes the benefits of planning ahead for one’s funeral and cremation services. Not only does it offer financial benefits, but funeral pre-planning also offers your loved ones peace of mind because there’s no need for them to worry that they might make choices that go against your wishes. Our cemetery strives to make it as easy as possible for families to afford respectful, compassionate cemetery arrangements, which is why we offer several payment plans.

If you choose to take advantage of one of our payment plans, consider inquiring about our Family Protection Plan. This is a payment protection service that goes into effect in the event that you pass away before the property is paid off. The Family Protection Plan is available at no extra cost to individuals who are under 65 years of age. Protection plans are also available for your children, provided they are between the ages of six months and 18 years.

Family members and friends of loved ones who have passed on may choose to visit the cemetery where they are interred for a variety of reasons. Some people feel compelled to pay their respects, to tend to the gravesite and grave marker, or to gather with others to share cherished memories of the decedent. If you’re planning a visit to a cemetery, there are a few matters of etiquette you should be aware of.

Check the Rules Before you depart for the cemetery, visit our website to check for our list of rules and guidelines. If none are available, you can inquire at the office when you arrive. Pay close attention to guidelines about leaving flowers and other personal items at the grave. We do not allow planted flora or anything that is affixed directly to the headstone. You may leave personal items, but be aware that they will be collected. You can inquire about the next collection date so that you can retrieve the personal items if you wish.

Supervise Children If you will be bringing children or adolescents with you to the cemetery, it’s important to discuss with them beforehand the importance of proper decorum. Explain that you expect them to not yell, run around, roll around on the ground, throw items, or otherwise behave disrespectfully. Remind them that you will be going to a place where there will very likely be other mourners, some of whom may have very recently lost their loved ones. Parents or caregivers should maintain supervision of children at all times.

Maintain the Tranquility It is not necessary to speak in whispers, but adults should maintain the same rules of decorum as children. Avoid calling out to other people; use a moderate volume when speaking. When driving through the cemetery, stay on the designated path. Keep your car radio off. Littering, including leaving cigarette butts, is strictly frowned upon. Pets are not allowed on the lawns.

Inglewood Park Cemetery welcomes respectful visitors and mourners to our cemetery. We abide by strict maintenance regulations for the care and upkeep of our grounds, but if you have a special service request, you may contact us at (310) 412-6500. Those who are planning a funeral or pre-planning a funeral can visit us online to view our cemetery memorial options. As always, our Memorial Counselors are here to answer any questions you may have.

Cremation has long been a respectful method of rendering the body of a decedent into its most basic components, yet this choice has grown even more popular in recent years. This is perhaps due in part to the greater recognition of the versatility of cremation. If you’re pre-planning your own funeral or making arrangements for a loved one who has passed, consider asking your Memorial Counselor about cremation options.

Can I still inter the remains at the cemetery if I choose cremation? Yes, many people choose interment for the cremated remains, although you can certainly choose to keep the urn closer to you or to scatter the cremated remains if you wish (see State and local laws, or ask your Memorial Counselor about where and how this may be done). You can discuss the purchase of a crypt or niche in a mausoleum or columbarium. These designated places will hold the urn and provide a respectful gathering place for mourners, as well as a lasting place for visiting and honoring the deceased. Generally, family members have the option of choosing an indoor or outdoor place of interment.

Which type of urn should I choose? This is a highly personal decision that you can make with the helpful guidance of your Memorial Counselor. An urn can be as simple or stylistic as you wish. Many urns can be engraved with the name of the decedent, the birth date, and the date of death. Urns are available in a variety of shapes, such as custom urns in the shape of a cherub. Urns are also available in various materials, although regulations may require that you choose an urn made of copper, bronze, ceramic, marble, or granite.

What are my memorialization options? Your Memorial Counselor can explain your options for memorializing a loved one. Generally, cremation lends itself to customizable memorialization. Many families choose to memorialize the cremated remains of their loved ones by interring them in a garden niche, or by placing them in a columbarium. In addition to the memorial within the cemetery, your family might choose to plant a tree near the family home in memory of the decedent or make a charitable donation to an organization.

Since 1905, Inglewood Park Cemetery has served families throughout Los Angeles with respectful cremation services. Visit us online if you wish to view a selection of our available cremation urns and cemetery memorials. Or, call (310) 412-6500 and one of our Memorial Counselors will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Death is a natural part of life, but it is still a challenging and overwhelming experience when someone you love passes away. If you have a friend who has experienced a loss, it may be hard to know what to say or do to express your sympathy. Phrases such as “I’m sorry for your loss” and “you are in my thoughts and prayers” can go a long way in showing that you care. You can express sympathy at the cemetery service in the Los Angeles area as well as in the days and weeks before and after. Consider bringing food to the bereaved after the funeral, as they may not have the time or inclination to cook. You can also identify and fill a need, such as running errands or making arrangements with the cemetery. Take a look at this infographic to learn more about expressing sympathy after a death. Please share with your friends and family.